Astana. October 1. Kazakhstan Today - International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that Kazakhstan can increase economic growth in 2009. The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Karim Masimov, informed during the governmental hour in Parliament on Tuesday, the agency reports.

"Crisis has not caused such damage to our national economy. The situation in the home markets is now stable. International Monetary Fund forecasts that unlike the majority of other countries, Kazakhstan in 2009 can already increase economic growth," K. Masimov said.

"At the same time September collapse of the world share markets shows that financial crisis has not reached its peak yet and its new stage has started," he continued.

"Last decisions of the governments of the western states and Russia connected with September crisis, have confirmed accuracy of the measures accepted by us one year ago on maintenance of social and economic stability of Kazakhstan," he stated.

"The situation is stable and the national economy is under control. World shocks will not cause essential influence on the national economy and well-being of our citizens ... The main lesson of the passed stage for us is that in the near future while external conditions will be extremely unstable, we should build economic policy counting on our strengths mobilizing internal resources," K. Masimov said.

This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today